In World War II the Panzer crews spearheaded every major campaign or battle from the invasions of Poland and France to the last great counter-offensive in the Ardennes.

Germany's Panzer crews fought on every front and along the way earned a formidable reputation for élan in attack and steadfastness in defence. This book charts the recruitment, training, service conditions and combat experience of a typical World War II German tank crewman, serving on various fronts - from the scorching heat of the Western Desert to the frozen tundra of the Eastern Front.

It features many unpublished photographs from both private collectors and Panzer veterans themselves.

Gordon Williamson is a retired civil servant. He spent seven years with the military Police TA and has published a number of books and articles on the decorations of the Third Reich and their winners. He is author of a number of World War II titles for Osprey.

Velimir Vuksic is an experienced military illustrator, whose published work covers a wide variety of periods, conflicts and armies. He has worked for numerous magazines over the years, including Military Illustrated. A native of Croatia, Velimir has also served in the armed forces, as a paratrooper.

Introduction
Chronology
Recruitment
Training
Appearance
Active Service
Motivation and Morale
Divisional Organisation and Tactical Deployment
Bibliography
Museums and collections
Glossary
Colour Plate Commentary
Index